I've been working in the outdoor industry since 2008. A process that has meant more hard work and determination then I could have ever imagined. Many get into an outdoor leadership career because it seems like an easy and fun way to earn a living. I certainly can't argue with how much fun it is, but it's the furthest thing from easy. What keeps me going is a rewarding sense of accomplishment as I help others discover the joys of getting into the mountains and having some fun while staying safe.
During the summer I can be found teaching survival and navigation courses, guiding mountain biking and Backpacking trips on the North Shore and Sea-to-Sky. I also work with Mountain Bike Trail Associations from around the world on using the free online resource Trailforks.com powered by Pinkbike.
Throughout the year I build and maintain trails with the NSMBA through their Trail Adoption Plan (TAP). Working with the community leading trail days; This gives me an opportunity to translate my passion for the outdoors, as well as my knowledge and experience in safety and risk management, into the trails. Thus ensuring a fun and safe experience for all.
In the winter I put the bikes away and bring out the skis. I teach Avalanche Skills Training for Canada West Mountain School. My students range from beginner snowshoers to advance skiers and snowboarders looking to go beyond the ropes of the ski area.
I am fortunate enough to not only help those interested in getting into the mountains but also teaching future Wilderness Leaders through the Canadian Tourism College's Adventure Tourism Diploma program and the TREK Outdoor Education Program.
I am a certified Wilderness First Responder and former ski patroller. After spending a season guiding in the Whistler Valley I now teach and guide here on the North Shore. I am extremely passionate about the outdoors and the only thing I enjoy more, is the pleasure of helping others experience the mountains for themselves. I am an outdoor educator first, as well as an outdoor advocate who encourages a healthy lifestyle full of sustainable and safe outdoor activities.
During the summer I can be found teaching survival and navigation courses, guiding mountain biking and Backpacking trips on the North Shore and Sea-to-Sky. I also work with Mountain Bike Trail Associations from around the world on using the free online resource Trailforks.com powered by Pinkbike.
Throughout the year I build and maintain trails with the NSMBA through their Trail Adoption Plan (TAP). Working with the community leading trail days; This gives me an opportunity to translate my passion for the outdoors, as well as my knowledge and experience in safety and risk management, into the trails. Thus ensuring a fun and safe experience for all.
In the winter I put the bikes away and bring out the skis. I teach Avalanche Skills Training for Canada West Mountain School. My students range from beginner snowshoers to advance skiers and snowboarders looking to go beyond the ropes of the ski area.
I am fortunate enough to not only help those interested in getting into the mountains but also teaching future Wilderness Leaders through the Canadian Tourism College's Adventure Tourism Diploma program and the TREK Outdoor Education Program.
I am a certified Wilderness First Responder and former ski patroller. After spending a season guiding in the Whistler Valley I now teach and guide here on the North Shore. I am extremely passionate about the outdoors and the only thing I enjoy more, is the pleasure of helping others experience the mountains for themselves. I am an outdoor educator first, as well as an outdoor advocate who encourages a healthy lifestyle full of sustainable and safe outdoor activities.
Experience
Active Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association
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I've worked and been involved in the Avalanche Industry since 2009. First as a ski patroller on Mount Seymour and now as an Avalanche Skills Training Instructor with Canada West Mountain School.
http://www.avalanche.ca/ |
Front Lines MTB Podcast - Since 2016
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Canada West Mountain School - Since 2012
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North Shore Mountain Bike Association - Since 2013
Trail Builder & TAP Leader
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In the dirt jump world it is often proclaimed, "No Dig! No Ride!" This moto has become adopted by many mountain bike communities around the world. Some out of lack of infrastructure and others, like the North Shore, out of sheer volume of users. It is my personal belief that those who teach mountain biking should promote all aspects of mountain biking, including trail maintenance.
http://www.nsmba.ca/ |
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Trailfork.com - 2014 to 2019
Community Manager
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Through out the year I consult with Trail Associations and Bike Parks all over the world on how use the Pinkbike powered Trailforks. An online trail management and database for Mountain Bike trails. Trailforks allows associations to manage trail reports, track user statistics and gain funding.
http://www.trailforks.com/about/ |
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Canadian Tourism College - 2014 to 2018
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TREK Outdoor Program - Since 2014
Guide and Instructor
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For over 30 years he TREK Outdoor Program has been a Vancouver institution. Grade 10 students from all over Vancouver come together for a semester of outdoor focused education. I'm lucky enough to work with the program for Backpacking, Biking, Snowshoeing, Tele-mark Skiing and Winter Camping.
http://www.trekoutdoorprogram.ca/goalsandobjectives/ |
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Endless Biking - 2009 to 2014
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If you would like to know more about my experience teaching in China read my article Chicken Heads and Hero Dirt: Endless Biking goes to China
Cypress Mountain - 2009 to 2014
Snowshoe Guide
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The snowshoe area on Cypress Mountain provides a safe accessible winter playground for local Vancouverites. Many guests experience winter travel for the first time while on one of Cypress's many guided tours.
Guests have fun while learning a little snow science and stewardship. Many if not all discover the joys of winter in the mountains and begin to understand the reasons why so many British Columbians spend there free time in the winter exploring the mountains. This allows many guests the opportunity to apprehend that Back-country travel is not for the thrill seekers but can be part of a healthy, active lifestyle. |
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Mount Seymour - 2009 to 2012
Ski Patrol Supervisor
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For 3 years I patrolled the local mountain resort of Mount Seymour. The mountain although appears quaint can be quite the opposite on certain days. Coastal storms can slam in to the Seymour area bringing massive amount of precipitation and very little visibility. The ski area and the adjacent Provincial Park features steep and rugged terrain that can catch many recreational travellers off guard. For these reasons, and it's close proximity to the downtown core of Vancouver, Mount Seymour is the most dangerous provincial parks in Canada.
It was here that I became quite experienced in travelling in the North Shore mountains during the winter and during those three seasons I saw first-hand all the many ways a great day can easily turn into a bad one. Despite gaining confidence my biggest lesson learned was to give the mountains the respect they deserve and never underestimate them. Too much confidence can get you hurt or worse. |
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Education
May 2017 - Advance Wilderness First Responder with Wilderness Medical Society
May 2014 - Advance Wilderness First Responder with Wilderness Medical Society
March 2012 - Avalanche Operations Level 1 with the Canadian Avalanche Association
October 2011 - Intro Weather Skills to Avalanche Workers with the Canadian Avalanche Association
May 2011 - Occupational First Aid Level 3 with Trauma Tech
May 2009 - Mountain Bike Instructor Training with Endless Biking
May 2008 - Advance Wilderness First Responder with Canadian Wilderness Medical Training